Creeslough families criticise 'absolutely devastating' lack of enquiry four years on from deadly explosion

17.06.2026.

The families of 10 people killed in the Creeslough disaster have called for a full public inquiry after the Taoiseach agreed to meet with them.

Four men, three women, and three children aged between five and 59 died in the explosion at a building complex in the Co Donegal village on October 7, 2022.

Speaking at Leinster House on Wednesday, Donna Harper, whose 14-year-old daughter Leona died in the explosion, said that families are "pleading with the Government" for support.

Ms Harper said that the lack of a public inquiry four years on is "absolutely devastating".

"This was my daughter, she was 14 years of age. This January coming, my daughter should be celebrating her 19th birthday, and that is actually how long it's been. No family should ever have to stand here, where we are standing here today. 

"We asked our own Irish government to help us, which they said they would, and they haven't. They failed us, and that's why we're here today. Because we are seeking answers, we are demanding now that they step in and they give us the inquiry."

Families want guarantee

Ms Harper said that the families would "gratefully" accept a meeting with the Taoiseach, but that families wanted guarantees that an inquiry would come.

"We all have very good faith in the garda investigation, and they seem to be doing a very good job so far in that, but they're saying 'wait, wait, wait'. How long is that garda investigation actually going to take? We can't wait any longer."

In the Dáil, the Taoiseach indicated that the Government is "open" to setting up a public inquiry, but raised questions around whether it would be "the best mechanism to get answers, accountability and justice".

Micheál Martin said that it is important that both the gardaí investigation and the criminal justice process are concluded before an inquiry is considered.

"In my experience, there has always been an issue with public inquiries while a criminal investigation is underway," Mr Martin told the Dáil.

Mr Martin said that any criminal court case would reveal a substantial amount of information, but if ongoing and outstanding issues and concerns remain after the conclusion of a criminal investigation and inquest, consideration can be given to the establishment of a public inquiry.

"All the advice I have received down through the years, and particularly attorney general advice, has been that inquiries can compromise criminal investigations. However, we are open to an inquiry."

Responding, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the former Garda Commissioner had "offered strongly the view and advice" that there would be "no compromising" of the criminal investigation in the holding of a public inquiry.

"Be that as it may, we are now four years on and the families have to have clarity on the direction of travel from the Government," she said.